Just one more day remains before the first cruise ship docks in Port Vila since the devastating earthquake on December 17 last year.

Local businesses, especially market vendors, are preparing to welcome tourists once again, marking a hopeful return to normalcy for Vanuatu’s tourism sector.

The upcoming arrival on Friday, August 8 has brought big smiles to many, including the women of the Si-Ko-Tau Mamas Association, who sell local products near the Port Vila Market House.

“We are glad and excited for the upcoming cruise ship,” said vendor Trisha Tulangi. “Even though we went through a big disaster, we never gave up. We kept going with our daily sales, and now we’re getting ready for August 8.”

Tulangi and other women vendors shared how difficult the past few months have been without cruise ships. Tourist sales stopped, and foot traffic in town decreased significantly.

“Challenges were hard—hard for people like us who live in the village and come to town to sell,” said another vendor. “Not many people were coming to buy, but now that cruise ships are returning, more people will be able to support our stalls.”

To celebrate the cruise ship’s arrival, the mamas are planning a special boat parade on Friday to welcome tourists back into Port Vila Harbour in true Vanuatu style.